Welcome back to our Italian Recipe Series! We’ve already enjoyed the creamy Spaghetti Carbonara and the comforting Chicken Parmesan. Now, it’s time to dive into one of Italy’s most iconic dishes: Lasagna. This hearty, layered pasta dish is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy night in. With rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails.

Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 oz each) of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Béchamel Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Lasagna Layers:
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, red wine (if using), sugar, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a paste.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
   • Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg until well combined. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
   • Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce.
   • Sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Repeat the layers (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, béchamel, and cheeses) until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
   • Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna:

• Make it ahead: Lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and parsley add vibrant flavor to the meat sauce.
• Rest before serving: Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier and to help the flavors meld together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Classic Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. Its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese create a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

Dining Out in the Area

If you are interested in dining out for Italian food, here are a few recommendations in the Orange County/Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania area: 2 Brothers and Bella Cucina in Locust Grove, Itave in Spotsylvania, and Orofino in Fredericksburg.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in these areas, or anywhere in the region, we at the Licata Group/eXp are your expert real estate advisors! Call us today at 540/735-7998. Learn specifically about Lake of the Woods and search homes in this amenity-rich community at lakeofthewoodsvirginia.com or search homes in the entire region at licatagroup.com.